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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Dec 30, 2022 20:10:55 GMT -7
 ☆ 1 Gretchen is two weeks post op and pain seems to be controlled. She has started to try and move around. ☆ 2 10 lbs 5 years old Gabapentin 50 mg every 8-12 hours. She is down to her last few doses. Hoping she is ok to be done? Trazodone 50 mg 3/4 tablet every 8 hours. She is a very high anxiety dog and is having a hard time with the crate so we are giving her the meds to help her relax so she can heal. Prednisone 5 mg tablet tapering off. She just finished her prednisone and is no longer on it. C.. I have never heard of using Pepcid AC? ☆ 3 -- She is not eating as much as she usually does but not super worried about this. ☆ 4 Miniature Dachshund Gretchen Wieners Stephanie Major ☆ 5 Diagnosis was T13-L3 right sided hemilaminectomy with fenestrations T13-L1, L1-L2 and L2-L3 performed 12/15/22 T3-L3 myelopathy acute, progressive, painful, paraplegic, absent nociceptionparaplegic deep pain negative☆ 6 12/14/2022 went to emergency vet and was put in ICU for surgery on 12/15/2022 -- Six weeks crate rest with a check at six weeks. If needed may do 8 weeks crate rest. -- Leg massage 2-3 minutes 2-3 times per day Passive range of motion 15 reps 2-3 times per day Weight bearing exercises... Gretchen has not been able to do this as she is completely paralyzed in the hind legs.
☆ 7 Gretchen only had one 24 hour period that she had accidents. Now she needs me to help her relieve her bladder. I do it about six times a day. I verbally tell her to go piddles and she helps me empty her bladder. ☆ 8 Gretchen cannot walk at all or stand on her hind legs. I have not seen her wag her tail other than nerve reflexes. |
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Dec 30, 2022 22:02:15 GMT -7
Gretchen, welcome to the Forum! And thank you for registering. Now you can set up to get an automatic email notice when you have a reply waiting for you.
1. Look for your dog's thread and checkmark it. 2. Look for the white ACTIONS button towards top. 3. Select “Notification Options" from the pull down menu — check mark “NEW POST” change from never to INSTANT email — press the SAVE button. Click the “x” to close the window 4. Next choose the “Bookmark” See the tiny book symbol now! i.postimg.cc/GhKYTNg7/Bookmarking.jpg **It is still early in the nerve healing department. The body has the potential to heal nerves with time. Best to think more in terms of months rather than days/weeks for this slowest part of the body to heal.How is expressing the bladder going for you? Do feel the shape of the bladder as it gets pretty empty? It feels so empty that one hand can almost feel the other hand as you press on the bladder?Does her bedding stay dry expressing session to session?
Are you expressing for poop not as the health issue bladder expressing is—but more to prevent Gretchen anxiety of finding poop plopping out where she sleeps?
You won't need a lesson expressing for poop it is so easy. Some timing tips for poop expressing you may like to go over: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/#poop
You can do weight bearing exercises with Gretchen! Even a little bit of standing is better than none. Some weight bearing is important to keep the leg bones strong.
HELPING GRETCHEN RELAX in HER SUITE Consider some of these ideas: -- Many members have found a pet stroller to solve the anxiety of missing their owner. The stroller can be wheeled from room to room as you go about your activities. Pet strollers, however, should only be used when you are directly supervising. More details on strollers: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/17/pet-stroller-conservatve-treatment/-- Put a garment you have been wearing and have not washed in the crate for Gretchen to smell and be comforted. -- Thundershirt® to calm anxieties similar concept as swaddling an infant to calm. thundershirt.com/products/thundershirt-for-dogs-- Teaching self-calming exercises can also help your dog to relax more. You can make something as simple as eye contact a very rewarding behavior that also acts as a way for your dog to “ask permission” when she wants something. When dogs have a focus and an understanding about how to behave to get what they want, they are much calmer overall. To do this, each time your dog looks at you, say, something like, “Yes!” or use a clicker to mark the second she looks at you, and then give your dog a high-value food reward. Wait for your dog to look at you again, say, “Yes,” and reward again. Do this exercise 10 or so times and then say, “All done,” and put the treats away. Come back later and do it again until you can see that your dog is really starting to make automatic eye contact in hopes you will say, “Yes,” again and give a reward. [NOTE: treats should be subtracted from the normal daily kibble ration so as not to gain weight during crate rest. To dogs the size of the treat matters not. Make the treats tiny ones. ] -- Provide a lick mat in the recovery suite. Freeze with some soaked and mushed up kibble, a slight slather of canned dog food or other lo-cal smear, as a very tiny treat but one that will take a lot of time to consume. Use as long as your dog is not exceeding the requirement of gentle movement during the recovery rest period www.amazon.com/s?k=lick+mat+for+dogs&hvadid=78202818358910&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_3b30nygjvi_e-- At night, try placing the crate on a sturdy bedside table to sleep next to you. -- During the day try the coffee table or the dinning room table so there will be a view out a window and a better perspective on what is going on in the house from a high. -- Make the crate or ex-pen more cozy by draping a blanket over part of the top. dodgerslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/blanketTOP150.jpg ** Is there any other challenge you have we could speak to? Oh, and we'd love to know how you found us. |
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 1, 2023 2:00:02 GMT -7
Thank you so much for getting back to me. As far as bladder expression goes I feel like we are doing pretty good. I actually do it with her standing one-handed. I feel like we are getting up nice and empty.
I have experimented some with helping her have a bowel movement, but what I have noticed is that she is very gassy. Is there anything I should have her on to help her bowels?
I love the video showing the physical therapy, especially the part with helping her with weight-bearing. I have ordered her an IVDD, friendly sling, which keeps the dog spine flat along with a dog stroller.
I am in the process of trying to find a physical therapist laser therapy and acupuncture. I have heard some people say that they have bought an at home laser can you tell me if this is something you recommend investing in and if it is as good as what I can have done at the vets office?
I forgot to mention that her bedding is staying dry. There was about 24 hours where she was not able to control her bladder, but we are back to me manually helping her Xpress it. I am noticing that her urine is quite dark and I worry she is not getting as much water as she needs. I am going to do some little toys with broth that has been frozen, but would love other ideas.
And then I heard about you from a few friends on social media. The only other question I can think of at this time is that I have a dog bed on my hard floor with a few blankets. Is it OK if it is not a hard flat surface? I have seen people do it different ways. Thank you.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Jan 1, 2023 7:20:51 GMT -7
Hi Stephanie,
You can try giving Gretchen a tablespoon of pureed pumpkin (plain, no sugar or spices) to help with her digestive issues. Most dogs like the taste and you can add it to her regular food.
Here is a link that discusses laser therapy in general including home therapy. As you'll read, you'll learn that your choice of lasers is important. It's also necessary to consult with a vet to be sure you're using it correctly.
Happy New Year to you and Gretchen.
Sorry, I missed the question about a flat surface for Gretchen's recovery suite.
Is there a reason her suite can't be place on a flat floor? Please describe what type of uneven surface you'd like to use. It is not recommended that Gretchen be placed on furniture, a raised surface, or a human bed due to the possibility of falling or getting trapped between her bed and the wall.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 1, 2023 11:17:46 GMT -7
Stephanie, it would be good to figure the root cause of the gas problem to know which solution. Has there been a recent food change to account for the gassiness? Is her poop loose or normally well formed? Pumpkin can be of help if there is loose stools or if there is contipation. It is all about the amount of water given with the pumpkin. -- To loosen the stool, add equal parts water to each kibble meal and soak overnight. At mealtime add one teaspoon of plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day. -- To firm up the stool add 1 teaspoon plain canned pureed pumpkin 1x a day to dry kibble. Does she eat her food too fast that she may be taking in too much air with fast gulping? Gas can at times cause discomfort. Verify with your vet for over the counter product to relieve gas discomfort. Example: Little Tummys® with active ingredient Simethoicone LASER Dodgerslist does not have a recommendation for purchasing a home laser product. Not all at-home laser products are created equal so be sure to do your research. If you choose home laser therapy for your IVDD dog, work with an IVDD knowledgeable vet or therapist who is qualified in the use of lasers. URINE Be watchful of urine change in color, etc. Often when learning to express the bladder, a dog will get a bladder infection (UTI). Some UTIs will have signs such as change in color, smell, etc. However, other UTI's show no visible signs. That is the reason for a urinalysis. This screening test can show if there are bad bacteria in the bladder causing infection. Good hydration is necessary for healthy body functions. The amount of water a dog gets is a combo of water in the food plus what they lap/lick up.
What do you feed? A wet or dry kibble? Is her water bowl attached to the recovery suite that she may drink whenever she wants to?
DOG BED Until expected graduation day on Jan 26, here are tips for the recovery suite set up: The recovery suite such as a wire crate, 8 panel ex-pen, baby's Pac N Play is often located on the floor. It is the mattress inside of the recovery suite that should have padding to avoid pressure sores. How do you have your mattress system set up?Read each of the Recovery suite tips— how to set up and more: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/ TIP #1: Make post-op rest as comfortable as possible for the dog. A memory foam or eqg crate mattress will relieve pressure points on the skin. • 2 inch 4 lb density memory foam mattress to relieve pressure points. Check on-line for pet mattress such as FOAM by Mail or Walmart, etc. for human memory foam bed topper can be cut down and stacked for several recovery suite locations. • Egg crate foam is another alternative. Check your local fabric stores. |
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 1, 2023 21:02:15 GMT -7
Thank you... Her recovery suite is on my wood floor with a soft dog bed on it and a blanket. Is that ok? She will still burrow around with the blankets but she loves her blankies. I just want to make sure it is not too soft.
There has not been a change in food although I did offer her goats milk the day before her diarrhea to try and get her to drink. She is not drinking as much as I would like her to. I try to leave water in for her, but she likes to bury her food and drink with blankets so if I have to leave, I will take it out. I do work from home and am with her most of the time. She also is not eating as well as I would like her to so I have started to offer her some egg or cooked ground turkey breast. She is being fed dry orijin, but I can definitely order her some canned. I am also wondering if anyone has offered other forms of drink like broth? I am comfortable doing subQ fluids as well if it becomes necessary. She has always been my picky eater and is not food motivated unlike most of my other doxies. She did have very loose bowels during the night [Dec 31?] last night and it is very upsetting to her. Today I fed her much earlier and still no poop. In fact last night when I woke up to the smell she was trying to eat it when she couldn't burry it.
I will call and visit with my vet first think Tuesday in regard to the laser and what my options are. I am also in the process of trying to get her established with a rehab center. My goal is to do part with a professional and part at home. But I do want good direction and a solid plan.
So sorry just thought of one other question that I had. The Dr had me stop the Gabapentin at two weeks post op. Less than 24 hours of stopping she was shaking and not doing well. I called them and was told that it can be important to wean them off of it. (Wish they had told me this but in emergency situations I understand that things get overlooked.) I had been giving every 8 hours for two weeks. She weighs 10 lbs and was getting 50 mg pills. Have you seen other dogs have a hard time going off and do you recommend going more gradually? I will be getting her in to set up a baseline with her general care vet as well and will visit with him about it but wondering what your experience is. I am now giving it to her every 12 hours and will continue to lower and taper based upon her behavior.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 2, 2023 12:09:28 GMT -7
Stephanie, what kind of safe for healing recovery suite does Gretchen have that you are not able to attach the food and water bowl at head height? Attaching prevents dogs from tipping bowls over. Do you use a wire crate, an 8-panel ex-pen or ????Since she is off all meds, it seems that one of the foods you added may have caused the diarrhea. Best if transitioning to do small amounts of the course of a couple of days to get the gut used to new food. You can either buy canned dog food the same Orijin Brand or you could soak the dry Orijin kibble in no salt, no fat meat broth over night. • Best is homemade broth which you can freeze into cubes for her to lick on during the day. Gives them something to do and takes longer than serving as a liquid. • Simmer up a hamburger patty or chicken part. • Cool and remove fat disc at top, bones and skin. GABAPENTIN Most post-op dogs can have pain for about 2 weeks after the surgery. Some dogs may take a bit longer to get all of the surgery related swelling down and stay on pain meds longer than 2 weeks. Dogs with seizures should to be gradually tapered off after "long term" use. Do read over the veterinary info on this med at the Mar Vista Vet Drug Directory: marvistavet.com/siteSearch/view/277964_SiteSearch.pml |
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 2, 2023 15:28:17 GMT -7
link
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-------  Not sure the picture or link worked but basically, I have her in a small area with vertical bars, so she does not try to pull herself up on the sides. She thinks she is a flying monkey. I also have the regular crate that sits by my computer that I moved out in the main area to work by her. Then the little pack and plays so she can be by us in other rooms. Her stroller should be here soon as well. I will get online and find some water bowls that may work... Challenge is that she buries all of her food and water when she does not want it. So, I find wet blankets in her water bowl. While I can supervise her, I have the water in with her. For meds I do have her still on them. We are weaning her slowly off of the Gabapentin but will be meeting with my general care vet later this week to find out the best way to do that. Then she is still on the Trazadone for her anxiety and stress over being confined but I will be working on giving that more on an as needed basis. I will get some pumpkin. I use that a lot with my puppies. Thank you for all you do with this amazing forum!!
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 2, 2023 16:23:06 GMT -7
Stephanie, that is a very nice wire crate.
However, the space for healing a disc needs to be much smaller. You will need to add a vertical divider of sorts to size down that crate. Your crate may have come with its own repositionable wire dividers? Or you can have the lumber store cut a piece of plexiglass/plywood to the dimensions you need. Drill holes around permitter of divider to coincide with the crate wires. Use tie wraps to secure divider to the wire crate.
This same divider idea can be used to lower the height of the suite so she can't raise up on back legs. Position it new ceiling height to height when she stands on all for legs. This way she won't be able to jump, etc.
Size of the recovery suite should be:
-- Enough space to easily turn around in.
-- Enough space when lying down to fully stretch out the legs.
-- The suite should have the mattress snugged by the recovery suite sides. No extra space. The water/food bowls then MUST be attached to the side of the suite. In a pinch til you can order what you want, use plastic deli containers from grocery store. Punch two holes in plastic container. Use tie wraps to attach to sides of wire recovery suite.
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 2, 2023 18:37:12 GMT -7
Thank you so much! I will definitely make some changes. Sounds like the best place for her to recover is going to be in her wire crate. I look forward to her stroller getting here so she can get a chance of scenery with of course I will not leave her unattended.  Is this acceptable play for her or is it too much movement? Thank you. They are snuffle products to try and keep her brain stimulated and use as a boredom buster. But will not use if not a good idea. |
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 2, 2023 20:03:44 GMT -7
Stephanie, the universal way to share video is often YOUTUBE. You will need a Google account which is used to sign in at YouTube (see below if you do not have one)
Upload your video to YouTube.com
—At the top of your browser when viewing your uploaded video you will see a "share" button below your video window.
— Pressing it will expand to reveal the URL (it starts with <http...> ) you can paste into a Forum post.
—How to details for mobile devices and computers: support.google.com/youtube/answer/57407?hl=en
How to get a Google Account:
—Use an existing email address
—Go to the Google Account creation page:
accounts.google.com/signup/v2/webcreateaccount?flowName=GlifWebSignIn&flowEntry=SignUp
—Enter your name.
—Choose to use 1) current email address OR 2) Create a new Gmall address.
—Enter your current email address.
—Click Next.
—Verify your email address with the code sent to your existing email.
If you are videoing something vertical like a tree, then hold your phone in a vertical position.If you are taking video or a JPG of something horizontal such as a dog in a crate, then turn your phone to be able to capture the full horizontal image. The screen shot doesn't give a reference point, an idea of the crate size to dog size. Confusing.... is this the same large crate picture you used in a previous post or a different crate. SNUFFLE We do recommend use as long a the dog is not being rambunctious for the weeks of post-op rest your surgeon wants. |
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 2, 2023 21:04:50 GMT -7
These are the two videos of her playing with the snuffle products. UTUBEshorts:
UTUBEshorts: Her crate is now about 2' x 16". She can lay sideways if curled up and if she is stretching out then she almost fills the length. I will upload another video of her in the crate
Ok... So obviously I have a LOT to learn as this is my first experience with IVDD and it all happened so fast. I have been blessed to have doxies for over 28 years. A few quick questions as I am trying to wrap my head around what our day should look like... (We were just in survival mode as it happened right in time for Christmas.) She is on crate rest but has been released to do PT 3-4 times a day. We work for about 15 minutes each time between massage, PROM and weight bearing sessions. I have been getting her out of her crate to do that next to me on a 3-inch mattress. I work from home, and she is right by me so sometimes she will sleep on a dog bed next to me. I will also get her out if she is crying to see if she needs to go potty. Am I hurting her by getting her in and out of her crate? Also, I try to talk to her in my happy voice to make sure she does not get too sad... Of course, she gets excited and wiggles... Is this hurting her? For example, after our PT session I will lay by her and snuggle and tickle her tummy before putting her back in her small space. The we have scheduled some laser therapy sessions and Dr appointments. This does mean a car ride in her crate. I understand that with conservative treatment we don't want more disk material to seep out but where she had it removed along with cleaning out the two disks next to the herniated disc is she ok to be going in the car, stroller etc.? I try to be sensitive to bumps, but it is motion and movement. |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 3, 2023 9:59:20 GMT -7
Stephanie, look forward to your making your YouTube videos viewable to allow us to comment. Log in to your Youtube account> Manage videos> open a video in the list> Edit video> Visibilty> __ Private (only you can view) __ Unlisted (only those you give the link to can view such as Dodgerslist Forum!) __ Public (visible to the entire world) Did the surgeon reduce the amount of time for her to heal all the surgical sites from 6 weeks to now almost 3 wks of post op rest? Post-op rest includes all the PT the surgeon recommends. When not doing the controlled supervised PT, then Gretchen would be back in the recovery suite. All dogs do the unexpected, even paralyzed dogs!
 When you are not directly involved with her PT and some necessary hugs and snuggles, then she is inside of the recovery suite. The suite insures you are one step ahead of her in protecting what is healing. Happy dog wriggles in reaction to your happy talk likely would not be too excessive for a post-op dog. However, you are there, we are not. So you will have to be the judge on whether to tone it down a bit. A dog with a happy spirit aids in the healing process! PT at a clinic or vet check ups as you wrote are not as tricky with transports as for the conservative dog. Surgery has removed the escaped disc material. Adjacent discs where fenestrated (meaning some disc material was removed to make less likely for a disc episode.) While she is doing the surgeon directed post-op rest to heal tissues do keep to the movement restrictions your surgeon wants. Secure the crate in your vehicle. Transport carefully using a crate padded out with rolled up towels snug around the dog to prevent movement or jarring the spine when braking or turning corners. The stroller use in getting from car to the exam room will be a wonderful aid to use!!! During post-op rest, the stroller would be used indoors or if Winter season permits where you live, to have her near you when you sit on the deck to get some sunshine and fresh air. Graduation day is when the surgeon says she may begin a slow gradual transisitoin back to family life. That takes about a month of slowly under supervision increasing her physical activity. When we have a firm date on her graduation, we'll have loads of tips and ideas for doing that transition safely. Plus how to live many happy years with your IVDD girl.There is thought IVDD has a genetic component. So if Gretchen has siblings you will want to take into consideration that 1 in 4 Dachshunds could be born with this disease. Learn more about the disease Gretchen was born with. Well worth your time to have an understanding with this 10 min presentation: Shortcut Thru IVDD
Gretchen is lucky to have such a devoted mom. You are doing a wonderful job in attending to her needs. Keep up the good work! |
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 3, 2023 13:11:58 GMT -7
Thank you so much for all you do and your hard work. you have been so patient with me as I have been figuring all of this out.  I believe that all of the videos are now sharable so you should be able to see them. I also have a call into her surgeon to get more information on what her recommended crate rest is. I also made her white metal crate smaller to give her less room to move around in. Still trying to solve the water issue as I hung a water, and she immediately spilled it on her bed. She has a BIG personality. LOL I have ordered some different types to try. Happy New Year and again so many thanks to you and this group! |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 3, 2023 16:18:16 GMT -7
Stephanie, if you can see what you post, then everyone on the Forum can also see the same. The videos are good, sorry it does not work to turn your phone sideways (horizontal) for videos.
The last video of the 2' x 16" crate shows it is a PERFECT size for Gretchen! In the video she is using the two snuffle things in a gentle manner. So it is a very good device to keep her entertained.
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 5, 2023 16:15:08 GMT -7
I have access to a companion animal health laser ctx-15. (Veterinarian grade) In your experience how often would you recommend using it on Gretchen? I have access to it every day if wanted. Thank you!
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 5, 2023 18:08:55 GMT -7
Stephanie, it would be best to pass the use of the laser by your vet. These devices come in different power levels. So the vet will take that into consideration along with length of time and how often.
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 6, 2023 16:23:00 GMT -7
This is a video I took while I was talking baby talk to Gretchen. I am hoping that the movement in her tail that she did on her own is a good sign? She is getting more and more of her reflexes back and firing her muscles much more when I tickle her feet. Still needs full assistance to empty her bladder and cannot stand but I am taking this as a silver lining.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 6, 2023 17:32:58 GMT -7
Stephanie, keep up the good job PT of tickling the paws to cause muscle firing!! Would love to be able to hear your voice w/o the music when observing for tail movement. Was she just waking up from a nap? Nerves heal typically in the reverse order of the damage to the spinal cord. This is the classic textbook order of nerve healing: 1. Deep Pain Sensation: the first neuro function to return. DPS is the critical indicator for nerves to be able to self heal after surgery or with conservative treatment. Trust only the word of a neuro (ACVIM) or ortho (ACVS) surgeon about this very tricky to correctly idenfiy neuro function.2. __ Tail wagging with joy at happy talk or seeing you/a treat. 3. Bladder and bowel control verified with the "sniff and pee" test. 4. Leg Movement, and then ability to move up into a standing position, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly place the paw without knuckling under. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run. LEARN MORE: dodgerslist.com/2021/02/06/nerve-healing-after-disc-episode/Knuckling under paw: thumb.ibb.co/k3dqRS/Knuckling.jpg |
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 6, 2023 18:54:35 GMT -7
Thank you for all of the information. She had just finished laser treatment and PT so was very relaxed. I am not sure if I am making it up and fully agree that I will not begin to guess on DPS until I go in for her six-week appt. I have noticed that she has been able to move her legs a little bit more but wonder if it is only muscle memory. I have found that it has been an emotional rollercoaster before I understood that there were reflexes that are different than DPS. I have learned so much and am still trying to learn!!
Then a second one that I had filmed.
Then this is one that I am doing the PT with toe tickles. I do still have her on Trazadone because she is not one that loves the crate and I want her to really be able to rest. So this may also have an effect of her responses. Not sure?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 7, 2023 10:33:41 GMT -7
Stephanie the muscles don't move and make use of muscle memory until the brain directs the muscles to move. Examples of automatic movement after much repetition that doesn't require the brain thinking of each step: dancing, entering a pin #, driving a car. Paralyzed legs/tails are not able to receive messages from the brain to move.
It does appear that the weak movement of the tail is related to your happy voice. IF that would be the case, then DPS had come back and now the 2nd neuro function to return would be the happy tail wag. It may take some time to get a stronger ability to control the tail for a fully happy tail wag. TraZODone can have a sedative effect, who knows if it would be enough to make it difficult to wag? Doesn't hurt for you to continue to specifically do some happy talk and then observe the tail for a stronger tail wag.
It is hard to tell if your hand position provides a degree of resistance to Gretchen pushing out leg reflex movement. If it is not, then try this hand position to provide a bit of resistance and more of a muscle workout:
When you do your videos, positioning the camera sideways (horizontal) would like make Gretchen's entire body visible. Gives more information in assessing things to see the whole body. Position the camera on a table or a tripod.
I look forward to your posts. You are doing an amazing job of home care with real dedication to what is best for Gretchen!!
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 7, 2023 12:00:37 GMT -7
Thank you so much you guys are amazing!! This is such an emotional rollercoaster and the support you guys offer is so much appreciated. I feel a little bit like I am stuck in Groundhog Day... Just same thing day in and day out watching for those little improvements. I am definitely feeling some resistance with her muscles but will make the changes in how I am holding the leg. I also have a hard time getting the video to record horizontally but will keep trying. THANK YOU!!
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 7, 2023 13:38:28 GMT -7
Another video I was able to get with my daughter.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Jan 7, 2023 14:19:18 GMT -7
In this video, it seems that Gretchen's tail movement is in response to your voice. A happy tail wag in response to your voice would mean that her brain is starting to communicate with the rest of her body through the spinal cord. This is an indicator (but only an indicator) of future healing.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 7, 2023 19:02:33 GMT -7
Stephanie, is there another appt with the surgeon scheduled? Would love to learn his take on the up/down tail movement vs the usual left/right happy tail wag. Have to say I'm a bit baffled as the up/down seems to coincide with some happy talk. Focusing and waiting for nerve healing to happen is kinda like watching for a pot of water to boil. Ortho surgeon Andy Torrington BVMS CertSAO MRCVS explains why the need for patience with nerve healing: "The first is to try to remain happy with your dog’s current status whilst encouraging improvement and the second is to be patient. This is not always easy as progress can seem relatively slow at the beginning and our only wish is for our dog to be normal again. This can lead to frustration and a feeling that your dog will never get better and this gives rise to obvious distress. If we feel like this our interaction with our dog will be flavoured by disappointment and what can be a unique opportunity to deepen our bond with our pet can turn into a tortuous process. In order to avoid this think about how long it takes a baby to learn to walk and how complicated walking is, think how long a baby spends in nappies and how complex the act of appropriate urination is. Your dog will not take that long and things only seem to be dragging because you are focussing so intently on your dog’s disability rather than their progressive improvement in ability. Remember to keep life normal, do not spend every minute with your dog looking for progress, do not become housebound; go out and meet friends and family as you would normally, in this way ‘the kettle will boil’. www.torvet.co.uk/clinical-problems/spinal-problems/thoracolumbar-aftercare.html |
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 7, 2023 19:41:14 GMT -7
Love this thank you so much!! She goes back to her neuro surgeon on the 19th. It will be her five week. I am supposed to be on vacation the following week so we bumped it up a week. I am struggling with leaving her for a week but a good friend who is a year out from surgery has offered to let her stay with them. I really need this trip on so many levels but the guilt is real.
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 8, 2023 19:36:06 GMT -7
Gretchen has started licking her front paws a lot… is this normal? Boredom?
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 9, 2023 9:22:46 GMT -7
Stephanie, since your reported only back leg neuro diminishment, it can be ruled out front paw licking is not neuro related. There could be so many other reasons for licking. Hope it has subsided by this morning or if you are concerned you can touch base with your own vet to find out.
What date will you be leaving Gretchen with your friend? She is welcome to join the Forum for support while Gretchen is with her.
We look forward to hearing if the 1/19 Neuro appt revises 6 or 8 weeks of post-op rest or even fewer weeks. The end of post-op would be graduation day. We will have lots of tips and ideas for a safe and gradual re-introduction back to family life and things to consider in living with your IVDD girl many happy years ahead.
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Post by Stephanie & Gretchen on Jan 9, 2023 13:40:19 GMT -7
The licking is better thank you. I was worried she may be in pain and I am not giving her anything for pain anymore.
I will actually give my freind access to my login so I also have a record of any questions etc. She will be with my friend January 24-31. Fortunately, they live very close to the rahab clinic so it will be easy for them to bring her. (I live 90 minutes away from it.)
I am hoping for the best but prepping for the fact that she may be a wheel baby. The tail is not moving much at all, and I wonder if it is just random movements. I am being very intentional about loving the moment we are in and focusing on loving on her.
The hardest part is that her "play" is not toys but to run around. I live on an acre with a doggie door and four other dogs, so she has so much fun running and being a dog. To have her kenneled has been very hard. She cries, gets "down" and is frustrated. I am seeing more and more sadness in her. I have however, seen her perk her ears and get that look of I am going to run see what is going on. This is the first I have started to see that look come back so that is good.
I would love any suggestions on boredom busters you may have. She is not a food motivated girl and so any lick mats etc. I put in she just tries to burry. I honestly feel like a 52-year-old new mom.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 9, 2023 16:41:36 GMT -7
Stephanie, we will be watching for your friend to post. Jan 26 might be Gretchen's graduation day if she is schedule for 6 weeks post-op rest. I think with Graduation day, it will bring joy to Gretchen to begin to slowly and safety transition back to family life (at your friend's house). We'll have lots of tips to share with her. What is her name? HOPE is in the cards for each dog to get back to enjoying life after the post-op weeks of rest. Some dogs may need the assist of a wheelchair while awaiting more nerve repair to take place. Check out my red doxie (in the picture in picture) rolling in smelly "stuff" and wheeling along in an acre of fun with his friends——at 0:56mins in
While at the moment Gretchen is on surgeon directed post-op rest, you can still give her exercise to tire her out. That is BRAIN EXERCISE! A tired dog is a good and happy dog. So if you can fit in some mental stimulation, if she loves your attention and will work for your praise (if not interested in working for tiny high value treats of steak, chicken) try these ideas. — Choose or adapt for only the activities that can take place inside the recovery suite. Choose activities that do not exceed the demand for the rest your neuro has directed. Your dog will be lying on her stomach or maybe quietly sitting. — Adapt each activity so that it takes place inside of the recovery suite while you sit on the floor in front of the suite's open door. Stop if your dog is getting over excited and displaying rambunctious behavior of too much neck/back movement. — Quietly lying down or sitting on the butt inside the recovery suite is the aim in avoiding too much movement. — Try some training to give her brain a mental workout..brain work can be tiring but a good thing. — Keep training sessions short about 7-10 mins. — Keep the game going as long as your dog is truly engaged, not bored. — If your dog loses interest, end the session for the day. Always end on a positive note by giving a command you know your dog will perform such as eye contact, then treat/praise. lip lick: head tip: |
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